English Labrador Retriever grooming

How to Groom a Labrador Retriever

December 7, 2012 – 12:31 pm

The Labrador Retriever has a wash-and-wear coat, but that doesn't mean you don't need to regularly groom your dog. Regularly grooming your Labrador Retriever not only improves your bond with your animal, it also gives you the opportunity to spot problems before they get out of hand. A regular grooming routine will usually consist of

Inspecting: Begin each grooming session with a head to toe massage. Feel for any lumps, bumps, dry patches, hair loss, or anything else abnormal. Massaging a dog also helps to loosen dead hair and skin so that it can be brushed away.

Pick up each foot and wiggle each toe, feel the footpads, and then gently examine and rub each ear. Getting your Labrador Retriever used to having these tender areas touched will make it easier for your vet to treat him if he gets injured.

Brushing: A thorough brushing once a week with a natural or nylon bristle brush is all your Lab needs to stay clean. However daily brushing feels great to your Lab and keeps her immaculately clean. The brushing action stimulates the natural oils in the skin, which will keep her coat glistening.

Bathing: Labs don't need to be bathed too often. Bathe your Lab only when he gets really dirty. Frequent bathing can actually dry out their skin. (Thank goodness, because bathing a full grown lab can be a challenging experience.)

Try to give your Lab plenty of time to play outdoors every day. The outdoor air helps to keep their skin moist.

Cleaning the eyes: Check your Lab's eyes regularly for discharge or irritation. If they need it, clean by wiping with a cotton ball doused in saline.

You may notice staining around the eyes of a yellow Lab. This is completely natural and caused by the dog's tears. If it bothers you, you can remove the stains with a cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. However, be sure to put a drop of mineral oil in each eye first to shield it from the peroxide.

If you see discharge, irritation or a change in the general appearance of the eye, take her to the vet as soon as you can. She might have a serious eye problem.

Cleaning the ears: If your Lab's ears look dirty or waxy, you can clean the visible parts with a cotton ball or cotton swab dampened with ear cleaner.

Source: www.dummies.com

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British Labrador Retriever Ffynongain Jackson of ...

All have been big dogs:

2006-03-30 13:33:32 by articdog

Cheasapeke Bay - good swimming companions, don't want to get out of the water! I don't think I would get another one, you only can own so many dogs at one time!
Labrador - happy dog, they sure shed alot!, again just not my style.
Golden Retriever - - bad health, all our goldens have died from cancer! Much too heartbreaking! You just get where you don't want to cry anymore! My first "own" golden was an awesome agility dog, he could climb anything!
Would own another one, if their health improves.
Alaskan Malamute - Love them to pieces! I have had bad luck with temp